sophistication

noun

so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the use of sophistry : sophistic reasoning

b

: sophism, quibble

2

: the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned

especially : cultivation, urbanity

3

: the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle

Synonyms of sophistication

• complexity
• complexness

Examples of sophistication in a Sentence

the engine's sophistication requires that all repairs be done by an experienced mechanic

Recent Examples on the Web

The backstory Hotel Swexan is the first hotel for the Harwood Hospitality group and is an obvious collaboration between the sophistication of a European hotel and the classic charms of Texas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

The sophistication of the bomb used indicates that more than one perpetrator was involved, prosecutors said, adding that two men were arrested in Monaco before being released due to lack of evidence. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Paired with the Arach&Cloz Crewneck Sweater and Cushionaire Weston Flats, this outfit has an air of sophistication without compromising its cool, casual comfort. — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Roughly 95 percent of enterprise AI usage still runs on the costliest frontier models, even for work that doesn’t demand that sophistication. — Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sophistication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

sophistication

noun

so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion sə-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən 

: the process or result of making impure or weak : adulteration

sophistication of a drug